Destinations India > Hill Stations in North India

Pithoragarh - Miniature Kashmir

The Mini Kashmir The easternmost hill district of Uttar Pradesh, Pithoragarh is often referred to as ?Miniature Kashmir?. Nestling in a small valley, barely 5 km long and 2 km wide, the town also known as Sore Valley was an important landmark of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon. It is situated at an altitude of 1,650 m above sea level and has the facility of three spoken languages, namely Hindi, Kumaoni and English.

Pithoragarh is the district headquarters and its government buildings are housed in the hill fort of Pithoragarh at a distance of 7 kms. from the main town. From the Chandak Hill located at around 2000 metres, one gets a panoramic view of snow range extending from Trishul, Nanda Devi, Panchchuli group and mount Appi of Nepal.

Prime Attractions of Pithoragarh

Askot Wildlife Sanctuary

Askot Sanctuary, established in 1986, is located in the pastoral surroundings of Indo-Nepal border, in Pithoragarh.

Excursions from Pithoragarh

Munsiyari

Located at an altitude of 2135 mtrs, Munsyari is situated at a distance of 66 kms from Jauljibi and 127 kms from Pithoragarh via Thal.

Champawat

Situated 1,615 m above sea level, Champawat was originally the capital of Chand Raja of Kumaon. Located 76 kms. from Pithoragarh, it was at Champawat that lord Vishnu is said to have incarnated as Kurmavatar, hence Kumaon came to be known as Kurmanchal.

Chaukori

The charming and picturesque town of Chaukori is situated in the heart of Pithoragarh District (112 kms).

Jauljibi Mela

Jauljibi & Thal Fairs are held every year on Makar Sankranti at Jauljibi, 68 km. from Pithoragarh, at the confluence of the rivers Kali & Gori.

Punyagiri Fair

Punyagiri Shakti Peeth (20 km. from Tanakpur) situated on the top of a mountain on the right bank of the river Kali is the site for many fairs.

How To Get There

By Air : Nearest airport is Naini Saini (Pithoragarh), 5 kms.
By Rail : Nearest railhead is at Tanakpur 151 kms.
By Road : Well connected by a motorable road.

Clothing

Summer : Light Woolens
Winter : Heavy Woolen